5 Best 0% APR Credit Cards
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available or the benefits and terms have changed. View the issuer’s site for current information.
You’ve probably received many credit card offers in the mail advertising a 0% APR. No interest for several months sounds great and may have enticed you to apply. If you’re looking to pay off debt or make a large purchase, a 0% APR may just be the solution for you.
All credit cards are not equal when it comes to terms and the fine print that accompanies 0% APR offers. Before you apply, learn how 0% APR credit cards work and how to borrow with an advantage.
You can use credit cards to earn cash and other rewards for buying things that you need and want. Credit card issuers are offering 0% APR and low-interest options more often.
Whether you’re buying bananas, a bicycle or a boat, using a 0% APR credit card can give you more repayment flexibility. Continue reading to discover five of the top 0% APR credit cards for 2021.
How 0% APR Credit Cards Work
A 0% APR credit card offers no interest for typically six to 21 months. This is called the introductory period, during which your new purchases and balance transfers won’t incur any interest. The terms vary by card, so read the offer carefully.
Most 0% APR credit cards practically work the same way. You can consolidate your existing credit card debt by transferring your balances to a new, no-interest card, and you can also make new purchases interest-free.
You should consider these common terms before choosing a 0% APR or low-interest credit card, as noted by Select:
- Some credit cards charge deferred interest after the introductory period.
- The 0% APR promotional financing may not apply to all credit card transactions.
- After the introductory period, you’ll incur interest on your remaining balance at the regular APR.
- Balance transfers and new purchases may have different interest-free periods.
- The credit card company may cancel your 0% APR if you do not make at least minimum payments as scheduled.
- You’ll only be able to charge up to your available credit limit on new purchases and balance transfers.
- The credit card company may charge you a balance transfer fee, which is typically 3% to 5% of the amount you transfer.
A Quick Glance at 5 Top 0% APR Credit Cards
Here’s a look at five of the best 0% introductory APR credit cards and their terms. You must have a good or excellent credit score to qualify for these cards.
| Credit Card | Key Details |
|---|---|
|
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| Citi Simplicity Card |
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| U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card |
|
|
|
|
1.
This card offers no rewards but also has no annual fee. The introductory 0% APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers is for the first 18 months from account opening, with a three-month extension to 21 months if all payments are made on time during the introductory and extension periods.
2. Citi Simplicity Card
When you use your Citi Simplicity credit card, you pay no annual fee. The card also features no late fees and no penalty interest rate. However, you must pay a balance transfer fee of $5 or 5% per transfer, whichever is greater, to take advantage of the intro APR on balance transfers.
3. US Bank Visa Platinum Card
When applying for the U.S. Bank Visa Platinum card, you can get your qualifying decision in about a minute. You can add your Platinum card to your digital wallet to make secure, contactless purchases with a single tap. The Platinum card’s fraud protection feature detects and notifies you of any unusual card activity.
4. Citi Double Cash Card
The Citi Double Cash card offers 2% cash back on all purchases: 1% when you make your purchases and 1% after you pay for them.
You can enjoy the cash-back rewards you earn with the Citi Double Cash credit card without worrying about annual fees, caps or categories.
5. American Express Blue Cash Everyday Card
With the Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express, you get 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 spent each year, 2% cash back at U.S. gas stations and select department stores and 1% cash back on other purchases.
You receive your cash back in Reward Dollars that you can easily redeem for statement credits.
You also earn a $200 statement credit as a welcome bonus after you spend $2,000 on purchases using your new Blue Cash Everyday card within the first six months.
Pros and Cons of the Best 0% APR Credit Cards
Here are some of the pros and cons associated with these top five 0% APR credit cards.
| Credit Card | Pro | Con |
|---|---|---|
| Earn up to $600 in cellphone protection | No rewards program | |
| Citi Simplicity Card | Four-month window to make balance transfers that qualify for 0% APR after opening an account | No rewards program |
| U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card | Select your payment due date | 60-day window to make balance transfers that qualify for 0% APR after opening an account |
| Citi Double Cash Card | Cash-back rewards program features no caps or category restrictions | $25 minimum redemption when you redeem rewards for a statement credit, direct deposit or check |
| American Express Blue Cash Everyday Card | Offers rental car loss and damage insurance | Consumers who don’t often shop at supermarkets or select department stores may not take full advantage of rewards program |
Good To Know
It’s a good idea to check your credit score before applying for a 0% APR credit card. Usually, only credit scores that are considered good (670 to 739), very good (740 to 799) and excellent/exceptional (800 to 850) are considered for no-interest cards.
If your credit score is fair (580 to 669) or poor/bad (300 to 579), finding a 0% APR credit card may be difficult. You may still be able to get one, but the introductory period will most likely be shorter than that of your higher-credit-scoring counterparts.
Information is accurate as of Oct. 21, 2021.
GOBankingRates is a personal finance and consumer interest rate website owned by ConsumerTrack Inc., an online marketing company serving top-tier banks, credit unions and other financial services organizations. Some companies mentioned in this article might be clients of ConsumerTrack Inc., which serves more than 100 national, local and online financial institutions. Rankings and roundups are completely objective, and no institution, client or otherwise, paid for inclusion or specific placement. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the companies included in the article. All fees and rates are subject to change at the issuers’ discretion. Some interest rates might be short-term or promotional offers only, and it is possible additional terms and conditions must be met to obtain the interest rates listed. Rates and availability might vary by region. Verify terms and conditions before opening an account.
GOBankingRates bases its assessment of “best” and “top” products on the above-stated parameters to create a baseline for comparison. This assessment is an approximation of “best” and “top” designed to help consumers find products that might be appropriate for them. There could be other options available as well. Consumers should consider various options appropriate for their circumstances.
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